Former N.C. State Trainer Robert Murphy Arrested in Florida on 32 Sexual Abuse Counts

Key points

• Murphy was arrested in Marion County, Florida, on out-of-state fugitive warrants from North Carolina.
• The indictment includes nine felony counts of sexual contact under medical pretext and 23 misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.
• The charges involve 14 victims, with alleged incidents spanning from October 2016 to fall 2021.
• Murphy waived extradition, and authorities expect his transfer to Wake County within 72 to 96 hours.
• The criminal case follows a civil lawsuit involving 31 athletes that was dismissed in June 2026 for procedural reasons.
• Murphy’s attorneys claim the prosecution is based on a 'changing story' and reference a 2022 police investigation that found no charges.

Background

This case originated in 2022 when former soccer player Benjamin Locke filed a federal civil lawsuit alleging years of misconduct by Murphy, including improper touching during massages and intrusive drug testing. The case moved to state court in 2025, with 31 athletes joining as plaintiffs. A Wake County judge dismissed the civil suit in June 2026, citing statute of limitations and jurisdictional issues, directing claims to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The university’s 2022 Title IX investigation found Murphy’s conduct toward Locke to be 'unwelcome and of a sexual nature,' leading to his resignation in spring 2022. Murphy’s athletic training license was suspended in December 2022 and revoked in 2023.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and ABC11 News emphasize the criminal indictment and Murphy’s arrest in Florida, highlighting the 32 charges and the waiver of extradition. The News & Observer provides detailed context on the civil litigation history, noting the June 2026 dismissal and the subsequent appeal, while also detailing the specific allegations in the civil suit, such as 25 plaintiffs claiming Murphy asked them to fully expose themselves during drug tests. All sources report that Murphy’s attorneys, Jared Hammett and Seth Blum, deny wrongdoing, arguing that the 2022 campus police investigation found no basis for charges and that the current prosecution is based on a 'changing story.' Conversely, victims’ attorney Kerry Sutton states that the criminal charges 'validate' the claims of the 31 former athletes and that the number of individuals with similar allegations has grown to 35. N.C. State University issued a statement condemning sexual misconduct and pledging cooperation with law enforcement, while football coach Dave Doeren stated he is 'absolutely in favor of whatever we can do to protect our athletes.'

Why it matters

The arrest marks the first criminal action arising from allegations that have moved through federal, state, and civil courts over four years. It tests a 2019 North Carolina law that made sexual contact under the guise of medical treatment a felony. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the protection of male athletes and the adequacy of institutional oversight in collegiate sports medicine. If convicted, Murphy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of more than three years in prison. The outcome may influence future civil litigation and the handling of similar cases in North Carolina, particularly regarding the statute of limitations and jurisdictional disputes between civil courts and the Industrial Commission.

What to watch

Murphy is expected to be transferred to Wake County, North Carolina, within 72 to 96 hours after waiving extradition. The civil lawsuit, dismissed in June 2026, is on appeal, and the plaintiffs have also filed a case with the North Carolina Industrial Commission, which is currently on hold. Additional victims may come forward to participate in the criminal prosecution, as indicated by Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. The case will likely test the 2019 felony law in court, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases involving medical professionals.